Shumlin joins decriminalization trend

If Shumlin is re-elected, decriminalization of as-yet undetermined small amount of marijuana would be on next year’s legislative agenda, said Alex MacLean, Shumlin’s deputy chief of staff who will likely transform into his campaign manager any time now. …

“I don’t think there’s anything new here,” MacLean said. “It’s an example of the governor continuing to want to work with national leaders on reforming the way government treats marijuana.”

What he’ll push for if he wins reelection is decriminalization of small amounts (size to be determined) of marijuana, she said. That stance is no surprise.

Shumlin joins Andrew Cuomo and Rahm Emanuel in backing new measures to liberalize drug laws. What's interesting here is not just that more Democrats are moving in this direction, but that it's ambitious Democrats making the move. Cuomo and Emanuel are already national figures, while Shumlin has been gaining prominence through the Democratic Governors Association and is viewed as a potential chairman of the group. That tells you something about the changing political pressures on drug issues.